…Abuja, Lagos residents directed to stay at home
…CJN shuts courts for two weeks
Yusuf Bello| President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice as part of the measure to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The measure on the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Coronavirus was announced by Boss Mustapha, its chairman and secretary to the government of the federation at a press conference in Abuja.
The Task Force also approved other additional measures including, the postponement of the meeting of Council of State scheduled for Thursday the 26th of March 2020, closure of all land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure.
Mustapha said, “Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures: Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice; postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020; in order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;
“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.”
“As at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases,” he said.
“In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded. In Nigeria, 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.
“We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of awareness amongst Nigerians.
“The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection, and containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.
“The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.”
The presidency further directed that if and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed.
Meanwhile, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Muhammad on Monday ordered that all courts in the country to suspend judicial activities for two weeeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus, effective Tuesday, 24 February.
The CJN, however, said matters which are time bound would be attended to.
He said, “Further to my earlier circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629 dated 20th March, 2020, on the above subject matter. In view of the reality of the COVID-19 in the country and in order to take further preventive steps, all heads of courts are, from tomorrow, the 24th day of March 2020, directed to suspend court sittings for an initial period of two weeks at the first instance, except in matters that are urgent, essential or time bound according to our extant laws.”
“Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this circular to the notice of all stakeholders in justice administration, please.”
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